Hands on Learningin Costa Rica

Horizontes Nature Tours is a well-known tour operator recognized in the market for its sustainable practices and futuristic vision. For 30 years Horizontes has held a high standard of ethics and professionalism that has earned the company a tremendous portfolio of faithful clients, and the most valuable comments from its visitors, whose level of satisfaction after traveling with Horizontes is unparalleled. We aspire to be more

us through their learning experiences in Costa Rica, resulting from our carefully planned holidays and adventures.

Sustainable development and social corporate responsibility have for many years determined our North. We feel that through the knowledge, wisdom and expertise that thirty years in business have given us, we are ready to take a step further and formally launch our hands on learning

planet in a meaningful fashion?

As a privileged haven of exports of top quality goods, services and human talent, Costa Rica has cradled some of the most innovative and visionary minds of our times. From a scientist whose work on molds was a precursor to the formal discovery of penicillin, to the astronaut that

Rica, are endless.

The attributes of Costa Ricans can be contagious. We are happy, innovative, solidary people, with a can do attitude, passionate for life, peace, democracy and nature, educated, authentic, enthusiastic and talented. We want to pass on these attributes to others, since it can lead to positive results. We rank among the top innovation countries in Latin America, the No. 1 in the Social Progress Index and have been nominated as the Happiest Country in the World on more than one occasion. We must be doing something right.

Insta

We are your eyes in Costa Rica+506 2222 2022www.horizontes.cominfo@horizontes.com

Costa Rica is a premier destination among experienced travelers, as well as for people searching for adventure and a taste of nature. However, not much of its educational potential has been exposed to the world. Having an impeccable trajectory as a country that traded its army for teachers, its aim was clear and has proven to

degrees, adult literacy has reached 94.9% of its population, and the health and social security systems are admired by most Latin American nations.

innovation and technology, environmental conservation, prominent government institutions, volunteering and

performance indicators and their sustainability attributes, so that others can assess and evaluate their stories and status within the Costa Rican economy. All of them share high ethics and professionalism, innovative

possibilities have one thing in common: they are accessible through Horizontes Nature Tours. Please review our selection of possibilities, and choose those you wish, to prepare the perfect trip for your students. This program can change the way they live their professional lives. We invite you to try it.

Population 4.8 million people

Surface.51.100 km Land.568.000 km

Life expectancyat birth: total population

78.2years

Temperature Seasons

Hands on Learning in Costa Rica

worth sharing within the Costa Rican economy. Within each area we have listed a limited sample of potential sites or projects to visit. Each project includes a small explanation of its nature and relevance. The idea is that the reader can pick and choose its preferred areas or projects, and add sites within the country plus adventures or entertainment opportunities, so that each party can combine the choices available in its preferred format, to produce the desired trip. Some can emphasize a segment, or a topic, or include more or less educational topics and balance the trip as desired by including adventure or relaxation.

Each project in the program includes a visit guided by an expert within that project. Renowned

and innovation are among the many possibilities you can choose from to build your educational experience; together with the traditional tours you will not want to leave out…hiking, water rafting or bird watching are some of the many options available to complete the journey.

Let us know you preferences and we will be delighted to design a proposal that better suits your needs. As an insert at the end of this publication we have included a one-pager describing the

prices per day depending on your choices, so that you can have a better understanding of the estimated cost of your own Hands on Learning Program in Costa Rica. We invite you to take a look, pick a few options, and send us your preferences so that we can design your perfect Learning Experience.

CATIE:

A visit to CATIE is an enjoyable, learning experience of close encounters with nature. Guests learn about avant-garde agricultural projects, rare species of the world and survival in the tropics, water shed management and sustainable livestock production among other enthralling topics that contribute to the sustainable growth of the communities. While visiting laboratories and greenhouses, they exchange knowledge with local and international professionals and take advantage

the heart of Turrialba.

EARTH University:

This groundbreaking education center welcomes local and international students and visitors, allowing a hands-on sustainability learning experience and a chance to absorb the beauty of the country, and the rich culture of the regions where it operates. Whether in the heart of the tropical rainforest in the Caribbean lowlands in Limon or EARTH-La Flor, in the dry forest of Guanacaste, the university bids an excellent learning environment and development of research, innovation in laboratories, academic farms and reforested areas, focusing on inspiring students to make a

Technological Institute of Costa Rica TEC:

Visitors to TEC in Cartago, satisfy their interest

information on the technological development and activities, necessary to the learning processes of this reputable university, that has achieved excellence and relevance in the development of Costa Rica; fostering the

economy based on agriculture, to one based on knowledge and innovation, as a strategy for a sustainable human development economy.

University for Peace:

The outstanding mountains of Villa Colon greet the visitors to University for Peace, an institution focused on education intended to achieve peace, a primary right of the human being.In this extraordinary institution, set in the

middle of a private natural reserve with Tropical Pre

through tours like Natural History, Central America Contemporary History or a closer look to the university and its mission, presented by faculty members delivering a moving experience that properly complements a visit to Costa Rica.

Organization for Tropical Studies:

A visit to any of the biological stations managed by the Organization for Tropical Studies promises unique opportunities for learning, while enjoying the plentiful tropical vegetation and biodiversity of each of the three geographical areas where they are located. Whether

wetlands, a walk on the trails identifying colorful birds or being entertained by playful monkeys, will give visitors a deep understanding of the importance of these habitats for the balance of life in our planet, turning it in an outstanding experience.

INCAE:

With a remarkable reputation, this institution is a seedbed for leaders and business people that will impact the productive and development processes of the Central American region, promoting a better quality of life and a more balanced society.The campus is located amid eye catching landscapes in Alajuela, well known for its pleasant weather and closeness to tourist attractions in the Central Valley. Visitors

will help them attain a pleasant and enriching experience, while visiting Costa Rica.

Hacienda Solimar:

This is a real working cattle farm, sitting on a property of 4000 hectares, where 30% of the land has been reserved for conservation of the Flora and Fauna of the region. It is next to Palo Verde National Park, a habitat for hundreds of species of birds like

Whistling Ducks. Educative and engaging tours with

to ideal spots for bird watching through trails with

river boat journeys or horseback riding adventures.

Hacienda Don Fernando:

The verdant plains of San Carlos in the northeast of Costa Rica present ideal conditions for the breeding of the high-quality livestock of Finca Don Fernando; where, through proper practices that improve the quality of soils, pastures and rational use of space, they obtain results in animals of excellent quality. Agronomists and tourist alike enjoy the learning experience of visiting this hacienda for a close look at feeding techniques, optimization of pastures

impressive landscapes of this region.

Doka Estate:

The rich soil, ideal altitude and climate surrounding

produced by Doka Estate. The plant was built early last century and has been declared historical and architectural heritage; it still operates and maintains its original structure and machinery. A tour of the estate includes walking around the fertile slopes of the farm, while listening to interesting facts about

bean. At the end of the tour, a cup of delicious

Aqua Corporation International(ACI):

This Tilapia farmer and exporter is a true example of

resources. The farm uses water originating in the

puts it back into rivers and canals that take it to

the next agricultural projects of the

site and a success story. As the larger employer of Cañas, its closest community, ACI had to deal with relevant social issues, such as the empowerment of women in a town historically sustained by men. The presence of the company provided great opportunity to a community otherwise isolated and dependent on traditional farming. Visitors can enjoy a great tour of the facilities,

of such an ambitious enterprise over its 600 hectares of land and their innovative culture, which allows them

in a totally sustainable way.

Reforestation is a trend countrywide. Currently 52% of Costa Rica’s territory is

covered by forest.

Cattle production for meat and dairy, or double purpose, is traditional in Costa Rica.

Harvestingfor the Future

Omar Dengo Foundation:

Learn how this organization has been reinforcing

hand in hand with current and advanced computer technologies, innovative educational programs and

including children and young students, educators, professionals, communities and senior citizens. Their

Tropical Science Center, Monteverde:

Walking through marvelous trails of embracing nature

fascinating experience.The Tropical Science Center (CCT) manages these two

youngsters and the whole community in the awesome task of educating and understanding the process of conservation, and seeking solutions that enable sustainable human development.

PROCOMER:

export for small and large companies, covering a wide range of products, from commercial goods to high tech medical devices, reaching a large range of nations worldwide. This organization designs and coordinates

managing special export regimes, Procomer promotes and protects the commercial interests of Costa Rica abroad, and it centralizes and streamlines import and export procedures and foreign trade statistics.

CINDE:

Considered an important actor in Costa Rica´s

gives International Companies the necessary support to make their investment decisions in Costa Rica, and advice on how to grow and succeed in the country.

Jose. A session with their representatives will highlight the key factors to determine an investment decision abroad, and the advantages of establishing a company within Costa Rica, rather than elsewhere in the world. They are prepared for a comprehensive process that accompanies the investors and guides them in areas such as Costa Rican demographics, legal procedures,

country.

Rainforest Alliance:

The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. At the

is inextricably connected to the wellbeing of those who depend on it for their livelihoods.

development they have implemented in Costa Rica.

AED- Business Development Association:

committed with responsible corporate practices and the sustainable development of the country, AED fosters healthy corporate growth in line with social and environmental development, on the understanding that enterprise cannot exist without a healthy society.

priority topics for the development of Costa Rica.

multinationals+250

85.000

Together we areStronger

Corcovado Foundation Osa Peninsula:

It was created by concerned neighbors of the Corcovado

logging and to protect the wild heritage and the future of native protected areas. Through the promotion of environmental education, empowering local communities and encouraging responsible tourism, meaningful changes have been achieved. The treasures of the Corcovado National Park welcome visitors and are truly enjoyed through the experiences and passion of the people involved in the protection of the Osa Peninsula and the Corcovado

Tourism, the Environmental Education Program and the Sea Turtle Protection Program are examples where locals and international volunteers can get involved.

Acción Joven Foundation:

public schools as centers of hope and opportunity for their students. Through the implementation of projects designed

have come together in a supportive way, hoping to separate the youngsters from possible alliances at this young age

with a visit to one of the schools where they develop their model, can turn into an enriching and inspirational experience.

MARVIVA:

Guests are able to really learn about the reality of the oceans of Costa Rica while visiting the country and discovering its fascinating and vast marine and territorial wealth. Costa Rica may be one of the smallest territories in Latin America, but because of Isla del Coco the maritime territory of Costa Rica is 11 times its size, making CR the

dedicated experts share their knowledge on challenging issues, as well as impressive facts and projects aimed to the protection, conservation and enjoyment of the oceans and coastal areas of the region.

COOPEJUBI:

Abundant, striking Nature welcomes visitors in the rural town

operates, led by young residents, interested in the social and environmental development of their community. You take fun, educational tours like walks to the amazing Rio

main project is to reforest their surroundings with endemic species while building a corridor to protect and conserve

Paniamor Foundation:

This foundation is dedicated to the protection of children and works along three permanent programs: Violence Prevention, Political Incidence and Social Development. One of its main goals is the implementation of a Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children and Adolescents Related to Travel and Tourism, directly aimed at eliminating sexual and other types of exploitation of children. Learning about them

protect and educate minors, as well as raising awareness in the Costa Rican society on the importance of promoting a safe and healthy environment for the children to grow and develop. Their role in informing and educating workers of the tourism industry, at all level, to identify irregular behavior in adults towards children has had tremendous impact in the direction of tourism in Costa Rica. Discover and imitate their programs.

Habitat for Humanity Costa Rica:

This social organization is a true world leader in providing access to adequate and permanent housing to families living in poverty. In Costa Rica, more than a thousand homes have been built with the support of government, international

Seeking ways to extend their reach, they also provide

from the world to visit and enjoy the country, adding the cherished experience of working in the construction of houses for the needy.

A Roof for My Country - TECHO

Through the joint work of families living in extreme poverty, with youth volunteers, TECHO seeks to overcome poverty in slums. After 17 years, the organization keeps operations in 19 countries across Latin America, and it stays active through the everyday encounter of volunteers and families living in slums, working together to overcome poverty and exclusion.

years allowing them to emphasize social responsibility at the university, while the organization promotes activities such as meetings with volunteers.

Grupo Nacion:

successful story that includes interesting points

economic development after the revolution events of 1948, when the army was abolished. A tour to their premises provides ample information about the growth of this enterprise and the principles on

them, as well as a close view of the high end printing technology and innovative production processes used at La Nacion. An emphasis on their role in education, through the use of their assets and the involvement of the community is a great program to study.

Florida Ice & Farm:

The largest publicly traded company of the country`s main activity is the production and distribution of beverages and foods. A visit to these premises provides interesting information of their operation and high technology production processes, enlightening on three dimensions: economic, social

contribute to achieve their high level of excellence. Their most recent social endeavor is the creation

Through an alliance with Yunus Social Business GmbH the company has as its mission to eradicate mal nutrition in Costa Rica through the development

America and Haiti.

Ad Astra Rocket Company:

This revolutionary organization develops the most innovative technologies. Located in Guanacaste, Ad

technology company dedicated to the development of advanced plasma rocket propulsion. The company

Astronaut Chang is the developer of the Variable

a propulsion engine based on plasma for space vehicles.Through its Costa Rican subsidiary Ad Astra is also currently developing an integrated “turn-key” solution of distributed renewable energy systems, relevant to many niche applications worldwide. One of these involves the hydrogen energy cycle (production, storage and use).To complement this learning experience, the visit can be combined with a tour of the EARTH University campus that takes visitors through thriving mango and sugar cane plantations showing sustainable agriculture practices.

FLOREX:

Florex is an Eco Friendly Enterprise that develops

products you contribute to improve the quality of life for your family without polluting the environment. This innovative company has received an award in EcoDesign, as well as the Excellence Award of the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica, among many other distinctions. Their commitment to the environment was key for the construction of their production plant, which was built considering aspects such as design and strategic positioning to maximize sunlight, reutilization of resources, collection of rainwater, the use of wind currents for ventilation and natural light for workspaces, among others. These

visitors walk through their facilities learning about ways to develop a successful, sustainable business.

BioLand:

innovative and excellent, but what is interesting about them is their approach to business, totally committed with nature and social development. Their approach includes biological and organic agriculture, the recovery of natural and traditional industrial practices, and the use of cleaner and ecological commercial procedures, aimed to contribute to a healthier and

sustainable world. Their holistic concept of quality and the establishment of a clear and harmonic relationship with the suppliers and consumers has proved to be successful as they continue seeking innovative processes, and conducting intense research to develop new commercial and industrial achievements, attuned with sustainable practices.

Franklin Chang Díaz is a Costa Rican astronaut and Physicist. He participated in 7 space missions for NASA

The futureis on the Horizon

Clean Energies Route:

of energy is from clean sources: hydro, Eolic, geothermal, solar and biomass. In fact, Costa Rica is the only country in the world where you

radius, and of course the setting is on the base of the volcanoes of Guanacaste, thus combining technology and tremendous beauty. Taking a ride on the rural roads of Guanacaste, surrounded by the

Hydroelectric Power and Geothermal Energy, turns into a very enjoyable learning experience. It is also

the very clever transfer of water from where it is

ACC (Alliance for Climate Change):

In addition to creating awareness and promoting

in investment in strategic reforestation and supporting the 4 areas most vulnerable to climate change: water, biodiversity, agriculture and rural communities.

thrive to get a balance between development, nature and communities.

Its director, a dedicated engineer in Forestry, is passionate about the goals of the organization and enjoys sharing her experience and promoting the growth of this concept.

FONAFIFO

through credits and other innovative mechanisms, to promote forest management for the environmental services they provide to our society, and to the

are compensated for keeping their land untouched, thus preserving the forest. The compensations attained are estimated based on the fair payment for the value of their environmental services, such as mitigation of greenhouse gases (carbon sequestration); protection of water for rural, urban or hydro-electric purposes; and the protection of the biodiversity for the conservation and preservation of natural scenic beauty. The source of the funds is normally from companies or persons that through their productive practices somehow impact the environment, and thus to compensate any damage, they support conservation elsewhere.

Tirimbina Rainforest Lodge & Reserve:

Conservationists and researchers from around the world visit La Tirimbina to study important relationships among species while they enjoy its intriguing surroundings and take interesting tours to explore the world of bats, watch amazing birds or learn about sustainable practices in the

ecotourism site set amidst forests and rivers of the northern region of

while it protects 345 hectares of pre-montane forest.

Amount of hectares of forest incorporated on the 2008-2012 period

Costa Rica hopes to capture a bit more than 16

million tons of carbon dioxide through its forests for 2021

Carbon set estimation for 2014.(tCO2e = tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent)

52%

CO2 Accumulated101.774 tCO2e

Increase CO212.146 tCO2e

Leaks1.566 tCO2e

CO2 Net Increase10.580 tCO2e

1379.36

CO2

Sustainability andClimate Change

The Costa Rican Tourism Institute:

This government managed institution, works with

tourism services suppliers in the country to develop

visitors worldwide. ICT is the organization that

the Institute promote sustainable practices in the industry. Those interested in learning about the challenges and achievements implicit in the development of the Tourism Industry in a sustainable context, can have an intensive presentation from

has brought to the country.

INBIO:

management institution that works in close collaboration with government, superior education entities, the private sector and other organizations in and outside Costa Rica.With the motto: We all are Biodiversity, this outstanding institution teaches, motivates and inspires people to appreciate nature and everything enclosed in it. They open their doors to share their “live” laboratory located in Santo Domingo de Heredia, a charming town that still has good examples of old adobe homes and colonial Spanish

peaceful landscapes.

curiosities of the surrounding nature with over 600 species of plants, birds, iguanas, sloths and more.

an educational and gratifying visit to Costa Rica.

Blue Flag Program:

originally created to work towards the protection of

inland, and the perspective became more ample, so the program now focuses on good environmental practices and prevention of pollution, which will

with inter-institutional cooperation within the country and impacting positively more and more communities.

OVSICORI/ UNA:

For geologists, volcanologists and sustainable development specialists this will be a special experience. Four tectonic

Panama block towards the Northeast, is the origin of most tectonics. And of course tectonics are the origin of our ridge of volcanoes. The plates are so close to the Costa Rican coast, that the area is a playground for researchers and geologists from around the world. Do not miss this great opportunity.

About usWE ARE YOUR EYES IN COSTA RICA.

Horizontes is a pioneer in the tourism industry in Latin America. With over 30 years of experience, we continue to lead the way in Costa Rica. Our extensive local knowledge and networks provide us with a strong competitive advantage. We do not improvise, we apply our expertise.

Our competitive advantages include:

Our Mission:and personal discovery of our guests through responsibly designed and operated travel programs that provide meaningful experiences with Costa Rican people and nature.”

Our commitment:In our commitment to sustainability, the CO emissions generated by the printing of this document have been compensated in its entirety by tree planting. Horizontes promotes good environmental practices in all of its activities.

Our Mission:“We design and implement projects responsibly to strengthen the development of society and the environment in a sustainable manner”.

Horizontes Foundation:

private organization that unites individuals and legal entities. It was created as a result of the responsibility and commitment of Horizontes Nature Tours and to promote funding for projects that can solve or minimize issues related to the environment and social areas of the country.

Insta

We are your eyes in Costa Rica+506 2222 2022www.horizontes.cominfo@horizontes.com